Open Thread
Open Thread #171
by | January 21, 2011 | 555 Comments


 

SONG OF THE DAY

The Like – “Mrs. Actually” [ Download ]

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555 Comments from the Beanut Gallery
  1. Amg1

    Happy Friday to Yall!!!!

    • 1.1 Amg1

      The thing that I am Liking the most about “My Princess” is the fact that our Heroine is not the willing princess want to be, on the other hand she is the reluctant character who she rather be doing something else instead of playing “Princess”. The people around her all have their own hidden and not so hidden agenda, but she is the only one that does not have this ulterior motive other than to clear her fathers name, this is the kinda of heroine that I can get behind!!!!!

      Seul FTW!!!!!!!!

      • 1.1.1 Informantxgirl

        I can get behind her because she’s just so winning…and CUTE. (Sorry, needed to use caps for that.) I know it’s sort of a cliched character, the plucky girl who had a sad past, but for the most part, it seems she didn’t have the world’s worst childhood, minus her father’s sad passing and her awful adopted sister. Overall, she seems to have had a normal sorta life and her bubbliness is a result of that.

        I love Seol, but I wasn’t entirely sold on Hae Young until this week. I sensed that he was going to be a different kind of hero, but this week solidified that. [SPOILER ALERT] What other kdrama hero would play keepaway with the heroine and flap his arms like a chicken after dumping her in a fountain? I don’t know.[END SPOILER]

        I’ve never seen that – it’s more you’ll see a guy being cruel or downright malicious to a girl he likes (looking at you, Baek Seung-jo and even you, Kim Joo Won), but to have a guy tease? Awesome. They sorta remind me of the lead couple in Delightful Girl Choon-hyang, that same sort of easy, bordering-on-sibling-but not quite chemistry. A very effortless sort of affection that doesn’t stop you from pranking another person. And it’s just fun because of the packaging – she’s a princess and he’s this rich, super-cool diplomat and they play at stuff bed-chicken, lol. I love it.

        Hate: Yoon Ju. Not just the character, but I’m sorry to say, the actress isn’t doing much for me either. I hate Moon Chae Won’s villain in Shining Inheritance, but I cared for her too, felt she had a depth. None of that here. Just pointless venom. Sigh.

        Last thing I loved, so this doesn’t end on a hateful note: Hae Young teaching Seol to be a princess even when she’s trying to walk away from him. He wrist-grabs her and teaches her to act like she owns the world. An odd juxtaposition, but definitely sexy and swoon-worthy at the same time. I’m so ready for this couple to get together!

        Happy Friday!

  2. maez

    Off to class. :’(
    Thankfully only one class today.
    Hope everyone’s friday is great!!!

    • 2.1 cont'd

      Only one class here too! But it’s a boring one. Snore.

      • 2.1.1 Arhazivory

        Its nice being at an age where one no longer goes to classes. \o/

        • 2.1.1.1 jent

          i think i prefer having a boring one class day than an 8 hour j-o-b…

          that spare time can be allocated to my kdrama addictions =)

          • 2.1.1.1.1 Okie Dokie

            I kinda agree with you. At least class schedules are a little flexible and you can ditch out sometimes. Work, nope. Stuck. =)

          • 2.1.1.1.2 Kristal

            Yeah, I would LOVE to go back to school. I would rather sleep through class than have to stare at the computer screen all day at work. Is it 3 pm yet??!! Oh, wait, still like 3 hrs more…damnit!

          • 2.1.1.1.3 ilovekimchee

            Oh trust me sweetie, you get lots of spare time in the working world…especially if you’re single

  3. lessaofpern

    Happy Friday!!!!! :D :D :D

    • 3.1 Viola

      Happy Friday everyone! :) *glomp* It’s good to have you back mommy! :)

    • 3.2 leonardswench

      Happy Friday!!! Off to pain and torture … I mean, therapy!

  4. ContentedOne

    Miss JooWoo, especially whenever I see an elevator!

    • 4.1 stars4u

      I’m on serious SG withdrawal…

      I might suddenly start to chant “Kim soo han moo…”

      • 4.1.1 Viola

        LOL. I love that chant! :P

      • 4.1.2 flowerpower

        You’re not the only one, never realized how bad withdrawal syptoms can get until now. The worst part is that with the special episode coming up soon my addictions is just getting worse!!!!
        Luckily MP and DH turned out to be quite a good surprise, they’re not as addicting as my lovely SG but they are really entertainging and fun to watch.

      • 4.1.3 Jomo

        Did anyone happen to get that one part into an MP3 file?

        I would love to put it on my iPod so I can fondly look back on my Key Lime’s romance with JooWon.

        It is really strange…I really do feel like a lover left me when SG was over. I felt similarly to Gong Ha with SKKS was over. Berift.

        It may be because I spent more time with the characters – watching week to week instead of in a few days. You really get attached!!

        • 4.1.3.1 pv

          I know what you mean. I got attached to them too cause i watched week by week. =)

        • 4.1.3.2 Laica

          Yeah, serious withdrawal. :( I agree, watching it every week does make you more attached. SG was my most addictive drama of the past year. I didn’t get into SKKS for some reason, but I was crazy over SG!

          What do I do with my spare time now?

          • 4.1.3.2.1 VanillaSalt

            Yeah im having SG withdrawls and its getting pretty bad. I keep listening to the OST, especially Binne’s “that woman” version. I even have the ” you’ve got a message! you’ve got a message!” as my text answering.

        • 4.1.3.3 Startulle

          I feel the same…….longing for their chemistry! the funny lines, the stares, hes been jealous and our Oska!
          Otoke???

        • 4.1.3.4 twylah

          jo woo chant link:

          http://kjtdramasblogged.blogspot.com/2010/12/joo-wons-tongue-twister-sms.html

      • 4.1.4 Okie Dokie

        I just finished last night. And when it was over, I was so sad. I miss it already!!! I’d do the chant too, but i have no idea what it says. LOL. Well I have My Princess to ease the pain, but still.

      • 4.1.5 pv

        haha. me too. i love that chant and when he says message recieved. lol. i keep repeating it over and over. =)

      • 4.1.6 Laica

        I love that chant. I loved the moment in the last episode where there about to have their wedding night and she runs away from him, and he’s like, “What? You think I’m going to do ‘Kim soo han moo’ now?” And grabs for her.

        • 4.1.6.1 flowerpower

          I like that part too, actually I love the whole bed scene Hehehe!!!!!!

          • 4.1.6.1.1 flowerpower

            By the way did you know SG actually got a “warning”!! for the long kiss in the bed scene!!.. They did not even showed a piece of skin and they still got a warning!!!!
            I hope this does not affect any futures broadcastings of the beautifull scene, that would be a shame.

          • 4.1.6.1.2 Laica

            Actually I was surprised to see such a long kissing scene in a kdrama, so I guess it’s not unexpected they got a warning. It was satisfying to see after all that angst, though :)

          • 4.1.6.1.3 Portia

            LOL…was chatting with my sister when that scene came on, and I kept IMing to her, “They’re still kissing…yep…still kissing…yep…wow…wow..wow…they’re STILL kissing!!” Bahahaha Secret Garden FTW!

  5. crzycpl

    Hanging out at Changi airport … waiting for my delayed flight back to London. Thank goodness for free wifi.

    Managed to watch the entire series of What’s up, Fox? while on holidays. A bit riske for day time kdrama?! :D But if every noona had a Chul-soo, there would be less … less …. less what? hahaha … I’m a bit tired so am not making any sense at this moment.

    • 5.1 kk

      i enjoyed What’s Up Fox! :D It has a good balance of laughter and tears which i liked a lot!

    • 5.2 pohonphee

      You should watch it! As we get old, our Korean pretty boys get younger, and What’s up fox will teach us, how to be a good noona! & not let those pretty boys go away just like that :D

      • 5.2.1 Emeldy

        Amen to that.

      • 5.2.2 lessaofpern

        LOL That’s why Diadda wanted me to watch it…. as an educational video…..

        • 5.2.2.1 come2noona

          That is what it taught me…. as you can see by my screen name!

      • 5.2.3 pipit

        Yes, what’s up fox and the spring of oh dal ja are mandatory for noonas!

    • 5.3 diadda

      What’s up Fox is my All time favorite drama. Chul Soo is on my phone. Long Live PIE!

  6. safa

    http://i51.tinypic.com/2chrozs.gif

    Animated picture of the announcers put a cream on her lips and -hyun bin took the handkerchief to Wipe it!

    • 6.1 safa

      http://i55.tinypic.com/2e0mu1h.gif

      Make sure that it hand-made and expensive brand!
      :D

      • 6.1.1 safa

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDFdGGwJjkE

        hope u like it

        • 6.1.1.1 Kristal

          Korean tv looks so silly and cute! Thanks for the link.

        • 6.1.1.2 seattlebound

          thanks so much for the link!!! i loved hearing Hyun Bin’s voice.

        • 6.1.1.3 flowerpower

          Thank you for the links they are awesome!!!!!

        • 6.1.1.4 lessaofpern

          LOL that was GOOD!!!!

      • 6.1.2 Kristal

        Is that Gong Hyung Jin holding that stuffed animal in the background?

        • 6.1.2.1 safa

          i dont know >> iam a abd in names!

          • 6.1.2.1.1 Kristal

            Awe, well he was in Alone in Love and some other shows.

            http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Gong_Hyung_Jin

          • 6.1.2.1.2 Kristal

            I just did my own pet peeve and used awe when I should have used aw. DOH!

  7. izzie

    still at the office. overtime. working on a 27-page report. :(

    sneaking peeks at dramabeans. :P

    • 7.1 Viola

      Oh poor you!! *hugs*

      • 7.1.1 izzie

        thanks much! :)

        just finished it cuz I don’t wanna worry about it till Monday. :) raccoon eyes, I have. :(

        Yay! Weekend! :D

    • 7.2 jent

      ahaha! im on the same boat. doing 15 page mark-ups at work and sneaking peeks at dramabeans too..

      • 7.2.1 izzie

        lol! my boss almost caught me commenting while I was at it. :D

        I just got home. Cabbie freaked me out. I noticed while on the road, he kept on hitting the brakes. I couldn’t help but ask why. He admitted that he was dozing off, and while he was at it he involuntarily lets go of the gas pedal and steps on the brakes. He thanked me for talking to him cuz his sleepiness went away. I was like, “should I be happy to hear that now?” sheesh!

        • 7.2.1.1 Okie Dokie

          scary cabbie. that’s terrible. Glad that you’re ok.

          • 7.2.1.1.1 izzie

            thank you. but I also worry for whoever is out there who could have the misfortune of “dealing” with him. *sigh* why did I forget to note the license plate & body number?

        • 7.2.1.2 asianromance

          that’s horrible! I hope you stiffed him on the tip!

          • 7.2.1.2.1 izzie

            uhuh! and had he complained I would have answered “i need the money to buy me sanity pills, mister.”

        • 7.2.1.3 Jomo

          Sounds horrifing! Sounds like you need to do an alert test next time.
          Glad you are safe!

    • 7.3 lessaofpern

      Poor Dear! HUGS from me too!!!

      • 7.3.1 izzie

        HUGS to all k-drama fans who mastered the art of multi-tasking! :)

  8. Fall

    im wondering if dramabeans is gonna recap Paradise Ranch

  9. leonardswench

    How to Stalk Korean Men 101

    1. Arrive at Wal-Mart for bandages (or soap, any common item will suffice, the more dramatic, the better) for your daughter’s double-fractured hand.

    2. Notice Korean male, 5’7″ – 5’8″, mid-20′s, short black spiky crew-cut, button-down oxford white with burgundy stripe, grey suit vest (buttoned), expensive saggy-bottom jeans, leather loafers, walking across parking lot.

    3. Giggle due to saggy bottom jeans and theory that Korean males try to hide their bottoms.

    4. Wish that your girls could actually see a real Korean male in East Texas.

    5. Have Korean male notice you’re giggling and look at you funny, being a short, fat, middle-aged ajhumma giggling in broad daylight behind him.

    6. Make necessary purchases and return to family van, prepared to say you were caught out at giggling at the Saggy Bottom Syndrome of Korean Males.

    7. Recount stories to daughters, to hear these responses: a) I saw him and thought, “He’s Korean”, but I didn’t get a good look at his face yet he looked like he’d be cute AND b) I didn’t see him, which door did he go into to? Which one will he come out of?

    8. Agree to wait the extra 15 minutes in your schedule so daughter who didn’t get a look can “maybe” get a look and daughter who did get a look can confirm or deny that there is a Korean male living in East Texas and the level of cuteness that he may possess, also, noting to see if he is or is not dimpled.

    9. Wait an extra 5 minutes because daughter cannot stand that she didn’t see him, too. (Note: now behind schedule.)

    10. Agree to circle the parking lot one last time (in for a penny, in for a pound) to give daughter one last chance at seeing the Fabled Korean Male in East Texas and for Dimple Maven daughter to get her fix or be disappointed for the rest of the day.

    11. Gasp as YES, he appears, just as you are circling, and the screams in the van drown out Super Junior’s singing and surely carry to outside Korean Male, who looks up, grinning.

    12. DIMPLES: confirmed.

    13. SAGGY BOTTOM JEANS WORTH $200: confirmed.

    14. CUTE YOUNG KOREAN MALE IN EAST TEXAS: confirmed.

    15. Number of daughters ecstatic: TWO.

    16. Remark by son: Why don’t we just move to Korea?

    17. Number of people that my daughters told about Korean Male in East Texas: six.

    18. Trying to explain this to any other group: ZERO. ♥

    • 9.1 ilukd

      hahaha

      • 9.1.1 Kristal

        I got in a wreck once where this girl hit me from behind. She was African American but she had to call her mother in law to bring her insurance information and her mother in law turned out to be Korean. The mother in law gave me her number in case I needed to call about anything and I remember thinking to myself ‘I wonder if I should call Mrs Song (that was her name) and see if she wants me to come over and watch some dramas with her!’. Hehe. I would obviously never do that but I thought it would have been fun to have someone to watch with!

        • 9.1.1.1 leonardswench

          My girls are lamenting a lapse in judgement: they could have gotten out of the van and tried an OPPA-POUT-WIGGLE on him to get in some sorely needed practice and to watch the …

          shock?
          horror?
          confusion?
          all of the above?

          on his face. My oldest is too conservative to do it, but that second one has it in mind now and there’s no telling when she’ll pull that on some poor unsuspecting Korean/American.

          • 9.1.1.1.1 Kristal

            I LURVE the Oppa Pout Wiggle. I practice that sometimes myself just in case. You never know when it could come in handy!

            OOOPPPPPAAAAA!!! *pouts and bats eyelashes*

          • 9.1.1.1.2 dom

            do share the story if ever your daughter tried the Oppa-pout-wiggle move…

          • 9.1.1.1.3 Portia

            Tried the OPW on my Korean friend once and he laughed so hard he almost fell over, blushed bright red, and then ran out of the room!!! Not sure I’d try it again, but that was quite a reaction! :D

    • 9.2 yuvee

      LOL

    • 9.3 buhdoop

      Lol, that is so funny. My family is from East Texas and my husband is Korean. Whenever we visit he is always like “Do any Asians live out here?”

      • 9.3.1 Kristal

        I used to talk to a Korean guy from New Jersey and he would always be like ‘If I come to Tennessee are they gonna stare or shoot me!’. There are Asian people her too, darnit ,and no we don’t stare, unless you’re HAWT and then we just drool and giggle! :)

        • 9.3.1.1 brookeeve

          People don’t hate Asians in Tennessee. The racism here is a black/white thing. I have seriously stood with one of my friends from Vietnam and another friend from Thailand and we just watched some blacks and whites have a throw down in front of us. Neither side cares about some brown skinned people, so we stare at them fighting, place bets, and laugh at whoever loses. Then most of us are friends with people on both sides, too, but we stay out of their fights. (I’m not Asian, I’m Native American/Mexican mixed.)

      • 9.3.2 Schmazel

        So, while we’re in this Asian in non-Asian territory conversation, let me introduce myself. I am an Asian girl in Mexico, currently pursuing my Masters degree in a university here. I’ve never come across another Asian person where I live, although I know they do exist, because the university is bound to have international students, no? I do get a few stares when I go out, but I’m fine with it. My only lament is that there are no Asian food stores here and no good chinese/indian/korean/thai food restaurants here to satisfy my cravings.

        And the funny thing is, although I’m here in Mexico to improve my Spanish language skills, Korean is slowly taking over! Case in point: I wanted to buy rice, but instead of saying ‘arroz’, I said ‘sal’ (Korean for rice, but in Spanish, it means salt). Yeah, that’s what my k-drama addiction has done to me. :)

    • 9.4 Kristal

      There are Korean here in TN too. I was standing outside the mall once and heard a girl clearly call the older lady with her halmoni and I was in awe, lol. ;)

    • 9.5 Bluefyre

      This is hilarious! Hahaha! Thanks so much for sharing :)

    • 9.6 dom

      LOL-ing.. your daughters are so cute.. your son has my sympathy vote.. maybe he need to see a few cute korean ladies?

      • 9.6.1 leonardswench

        I think as long as he has You’re Beautiful and My Girl to watch whenever he wants, he’ll be fine. He’s a little too young to be ogling ladies (WHEW, mama can wait on that day!), but he’s very sweet to his sisters by announcing things like, “That part you like where Park Jun Min purses his lips is about to come on.”

        Tee hee, he’s a good kid!

        • 9.6.1.1 dom

          awww… such a cutie!! a future heart breaker ;)

    • 9.7 Viola

      This should be taught as a class in college. With some cute, Korean TA’s the students can practice on! :p *sigh* I would be looking forward to the new semester so much more if this was the case! :P

      • 9.7.1 leonardswench

        LOL!!!!! See, if they only taught classes that were INTERESTING ….

      • 9.7.2 lessaofpern

        LOL an Oppa Pout Wiggle class and How to be a Perfect Noona class. Were do I sign up? :P

    • 9.8 buhdoop

      The booty comment is so cute! My husband also has that saggy pants booty look. I peek looks way too much in public.

    • 9.9 Arhazivory

      lol. That’s hilarious. I rarely see Koreans in Jamaica….scrap that, I’ve never seen one in Jamaica. -_-’ I’ve heard rumours that they exist here though.

      • 9.9.1 leonardswench

        Here’s hoping you get to see a cute one, and as my daughters told their dad, “re-spect-full-y” stalk him!

      • 9.9.2 pohonphee

        LOL at the rumors. I’m sure there are Koreans in Jamaica :)

        • 9.9.2.1 lessaofpern

          LOL there are Koreans in Pakistan too! One of my husband’s really good friend has the contract to sell all LG products to Pakistan. ( He’s really loaded ( sorry girls he is already married)) They are always entertaining the LG people from Korea. We were telling him about our drama and pop watching (obsession) and he was so surprised that we were into all things Korean. My daughter volunteered to be a representative if they needed one. :P

    • 9.10 Rush

      That was hilarious! Love your story, love your daughters!
      Am trying to get my daughters to be like this too, but unfortunately they don’t quite get why I like Korean guys so much. And sadly even though where I live there are quite a few Korean families, I have yet to see a Korean male of the above description. Damn, I need to move to East Texas!

    • 9.11 flowerpower

      Buahahaha! thank you for sharing this with us!!!!
      good to know you were able to confirm the “Dimples”
      there is nothing hotter than a cute face with dimples.

      • 9.11.1 Viola

        You know that is the first question I asked LW. “Are you SURE he had dimples?” :P

    • 9.12 Jomo

      Did you get a phone number?
      Address?
      Name?
      Anything?

      If for a penny, in for a future romance with daughter…

      • 9.12.1 leonardswench

        RATS!! And you’d think after all the k-dramas I’ve watched, I’d know how a K-mama is supposed to go mental at the sight of potential marry-up mate for any progeny!! I’m going to have to work on an ahjumma takeover/makeover plan …

        • 9.12.1.1 lessaofpern

          ROTFL!!!! Need to watch more dramas to prepare properly :P

        • 9.12.1.2 Jomo

          Ahjumma Takeover/Makeover Plan

          Folks!
          We have the title of the next fabulous K-drama!

          • 9.12.1.2.1 lessaofpern

            LOL!!

    • 9.13 izzie

      this can qualify as a course syllabus! :D daebak!

      • 9.13.1 Viola

        Wonderful idea Izzie! This week’s assignment for class: Finish at least up to step 5 in the syllabus of “How to Stalk Korean Men” :P

        Please ask your TAs, Siwon, Jaejoong, Jong Ki, Seung Gi and TOP for any help with the assignment. They are true veterans of being stalked constantly, so they would be able to share all the tricks that have been employed on them. Good luck.

        This is the sign up sheet for this class. :P

        • 9.13.1.1 izzie

          *signs up right away*

          is there an age limit to this? :D cuz… just, y’know…

          • 9.13.1.1.1 Viola

            Only rule of this class is : “Don’t touch Siwon sungse-nim”

            naive new student: “Why not? he sooooo Cute! Kyaaa!”

            veteran students: They edge away from her., afraid to be associated with such a foolish girl. They warn her in a hushed voice “There is is rumor that any girl who touches him disappears completely and without a trace. They just report seeing some shadowy female figure with a murder of pigeons wheeling overhead. Some say…* they look around fearfully* some say that the pigeons are psychic! They can even hear if you think about laying grabby hands on Siwon. And this shadowy female figure also has a sister, who throws around fire. So yeah, stay away from Siwon.”

            Naive new student: Ummm.. yeah… defenitely. Her eyes skitter around the classroom. She suddenly feels an intense stab of cold between her shoulder blades like she is being watched. But no one is there, except a lone pigeon sitting on the windowsill, looking at her steadily from beady eyes. It gives an insolent “caw” like it is saying “I am watching you. I know what you did last summer. I KNOW you drew hearts on his poster…..”

          • 9.13.1.1.2 lessaofpern

            LOL Viola, Thank God I’m your MOM, or I wouldn’t be safe either when I gave my Son-In-Law Siwon a hug! ;(

          • 9.13.1.1.3 Viola

            No worries mommy, family is exempt from the killer Psychic Pigeons! :P

        • 9.13.1.2 Kristal

          Seung Gi is a TA! I’m in!! I love his dimples.

        • 9.13.1.3 izzie

          I have a few questions:

          - Will we have a written or a practical exam? ;)
          - Do we get to pick our thesis adviser or do we get assigned to mentors at random?
          - How will the grading system be? How many points do we get for smiles, winks, or hugs?

          • 9.13.1.3.1 Viola

            To answer you Izzie:
            1) The exams are practical
            2) You pick your “thesis advisors”
            3) Smiles gets you 40 pts. A wink 30. So you can pretty much pass the course if you can get a guy to smile and wink at you. A Hug gets you a B+ and if you manage to get a kiss out of it you are guaranteed an A. But if you manage to get beyond that, then it is the official policy of the college to not comment. ;)

            We will send you a lovely gift for your wedding though. :)

          • 9.13.1.3.2 izzie

            lol! what about obtaining mementos, like sparkly tracksuits, or speedos? :)

        • 9.13.1.4 dom

          Signs in!
          i won’t touch Siwon sang-seng nim… but might use the oppa-pout-wiggle at joon ki.. *wink*

        • 9.13.1.5 joongkijunkie&ELF

          not to be a pest.
          but im pretty sure tht siwon was mine before yours.
          where u a suju fan b4 he appeared in recent dramas?
          and i, and other ELFs, appreciate him for more than his abs and acting. he’s lovable dork with great manners and hilarious facial expressions
          same with joongki, before sungkyunkwan, when he started on mubank, while i read triple recaps.

          so sure i sign up: two of my fave korean boys!

          • 9.13.1.5.1 lessaofpern

            My daughter Viola has been a fan longer than you have. Note…. she has already married Siwon and they have a cute little daughter ( no dimples though, their son will have those)
            Most of all she fell in love with his character and not just his looks. He does a lot of charity work (he even did some for Unicef). He is genuinely a fine human being.
            Yes, Viola tends to go gagga over his dimlples, but that is not why she loves him. :D

          • 9.13.1.5.2 brookeeve

            Just so you know, those pigeons are mine and I tend to get upset whenever someone thinks that my little sister, Viola, might not have the right to claim her Siwon. I have been there throughout their entire relationship, and she has fought supernatural forces in order to earn the right to be at his side. My pigeons have been guarding him, and they report to me.

    • 9.14 queencircles

      Haha. This reminds me of me at my job. I work downtown Chicago in a store on Michigan ave. We always get a lot of tourists and my ears perk up whenever I hear Korean. Even if they’re chicks, I practically follow them around the store… but mostly when they’re cute boys. lol.

      We get celebrities in there too sometimes and I’m waiting patiently for a hot Korean celebrity to come on vacation here and come in. That would be freaking amazing! …God that would be awesome!!!

      • 9.14.1 mskololia

        Same town different neighborhood.

        I was in a grocery store one sumer morning shopping and entered one isle where I ran into a Korean hottie looking at noodles. He looked like “someone’, but I could not put a name to him….Anyway, he was very “slow” in getting my point that I wanted him to move so that I could get a closer look as I passed by….lol.

        Shortly thereafter, I noticed Korean ladies (mother and daughter), dressed to the nines with makeup on looking down the isle he was in while trying not to be soooo obvious. I canot take so much celebrity searching on a Saturday morning while in a grocery store…..sad, but yeah a true story and there are more.

        I leave celebs alone when seeing them. They have a life too.

    • 9.15 girlatsea

      Oh my god, this is hilarious!

      Now, I NEED to share this with you guys. One of my neighboring cities is Annandale, Virginia. It’s basically this little Koreatown. And I just did some research, there are about 95,000 individuals of Korean decent living there. There are also about 1000 Korean businesses here. Ever since my whole obsession with everything Korean, I’ve been visiting more often. So basically, I sit at this Korean bakery and just GAWK at everyone that enters (it’s basically this Korean hang out spot). My friend is pretty fond of the barista with the idol cut who kind of reminds me of Taemin from SHINee. There’s also this Korean karaoke place. And this really cute store called “Thingamigs”. I was just there like a couple of weeks ago and they played that Secret Garden song “That Woman”. Ugh, it’s so wonderful.

      I recently heard there’s this popular video store that sells drama dvds. I hope to find some time to look for it one of these days.

      So basically, what I’m saying is… if you’re ever in the DC metro area. I don’t know if it’s anywhere at the level of LA or NYC’s Koreatowns. But I highly recommend it as a good place to gawk at some Koreans! :)

      • 9.15.1 girlatsea

        L’Il Thingamajigs* I have feeling this is a chain store. So, you might find it near you. I recommend it, it’s just chock-full of CUTE.

      • 9.15.2 joongkijunkie&ELF

        im korean and lived in maryland. and i loved annandale! the no-rae-bangs and the food mhm
        there is a great concentration of koreans in the DC metro area overall! and we are attractive people. the boys in particular, so pretty
        i recently moved from there to a very small town with a high white population and stick to kpop and kdram to keep my korean side alive

      • 9.15.3 ilovekimchee

        I was totally up there a couple of weeks ago! Did we go to the same bakery? I forgot the name of it, but do they also sell coffee and have samples of breads and an upstairs area?
        I’ll be going up to McLean a couple of times a year for work, definitely going back to Annandale when I drive! Please let me know when you find the video store!

        • 9.15.3.1 girlatsea

          Will do!

          • 9.15.3.1.1 Ambie

            lol I live in maryland and this summer it seems i lived in VA-kTOWN!… Have you gone to Honey pig?!! omg!! love it!

      • 9.15.4 Yun Jin

        Shhhh, my daughter has already found herself a cute Korean and they’ve got a gorgeous daughter. He mentioned moving to that part of VA one time…. I gave him the evil eye for wanting to take my girls so far from Ohio……. Micky from DBSK, grew up near there for many years

        • 9.15.4.1 girlatsea

          Your daughter is a very, very lucky girl. Yes, northern VA to Ohio is about a 9 hour drive (I believe.)

          Yeaah, apparently Micky was scouted here. It makes me feel somewhat connected to him. Hahahah, sadly it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get.

    • 9.16 mems

      LOL-ing so hard. Where I live, there’s plenty of Koreans.

      I had a minor crush on my younger brother’s former taekwondo teacher – he was just ADORABLE. Such a nice smile that guy had….
      I used sit there for the whole hour ogling-but-not-trying-to-look-like-i’m-ogling him….

    • 9.17 come2noona

      Awesome! You totally rock!

    • 9.18 elle loves kdrama

      There are Koreans in Senegal (West Africa) as well. I am here to visit my parents and went to my favorite store owned by a Korean couple. I think they have been here for about 20 years. I believe that there are quite a few of them, since they have their own service in Korean at the local church. I am tempted to take a peak on Sunday….

      • 9.18.1 ilovekimchee

        haha this reminds me of the time when I went up to NJ last year. My aunt literary lives three doors down from a Korean church. I was sooo tempted to go inside on Sunday!

    • 9.19 Janna

      There are lots of Koreans where I live.

      Even the hospital has Hangul signage.

    • 9.20 ck1Oz

      LOL. Funniest laugh I’ve read before I go to work.

      Just like drama…words spreads like widfire.Thanks James.We’re popping over from My Princess.

      We are making sure we’re sending over our ‘experts’ There’s a Korean 6 pack biology class in progress on one of the staff chatroll.All very serious.

      I’ve suggested adding yours as additional credit class :-)

      • 9.20.1 Yun Jin

        Hi CK!

        –beccah–

        • 9.20.1.1 ck1Oz

          Hey you know this is from James?Can you believe we have a double oppa on My Princess?I cannot believe Ahoxan is another oppa.

          We NEVER have oppas on viki.Only dongsaengs!
          It absolutely kills me when some of the mods are called Noona :-)

    • 9.21 Elle-Emme

      priceless

    • 9.22 Mayounaise

      Hahaha.. Your kids are just too cute!

      I can safely say that there are plenty of Koreans here in Indonesia, and since I’m a K-addict, I can normally tell from first look whether some guys are Korean or not -I’m 90 percent right up to this point-. Subsequently, I listen attentively to their speeches to confirm my instinct. And when I hear some Korean words, I half-expexted subtitle to come into my view! :D

      And yes, I have stalked a Korean guy before. *please don’t look at me with those judging eyes*. My friend used to work as Indonesian language tutor and one of her students is this HAWT Korean guy. She talked about him ALL the time that I finally decided that I need to see this HAWT Korean guy with my own eyes. So after much deliberation (and scheming) with my friend, I then went to have lunch at his apartment complex (the lunch cost a fortune btw, especially since I was a student at that time), where they would hold the tutoring session. And turned out that the guy is really HAWT! I then spent the next one hour just oogling and drooling at him. I really have no regret blowing my one-week-allowance to buy those expensive foods because at least I got my one-hour of desirey eye staring. :D

      I have also met with some cute Korean guys while manning my company’s booth at some business expo. I really want to pull an OPW on them, but alas since I still need a job right now I tried hard to resist the temptation! But who knows, if those cute guys keep coming around I might be unable to contain those temptations anymore and may result in me pulling one of the greatest OPWs ever in history… LOL.

      • 9.22.1 leonardswench

        I love all your stories … and reporting the status/non-status of the Korean male population across the globe.

        If we ever move, I’ve made notes …. <3

  10. 10 Sgcrazed

    Happy Friday
    Am look forward to seeing paradise farm the lead guy at some angles reminds me of the delicious actor jerry yang yessss a new addiction is what am looking for

  11. 11 ilukd

    … hello K-drama Addict friends … Happy Friday

    well life is going on ?? enjoying all the craziness of Dream High and My Princess …. i’m falling in love with Sam dong …he is just cute …. IU role in Dream high is so cute …she is adorable … Main couple IN My Princess is wonderful .. Perfect to the T .. love them

    • 11.1 Rika

      Aww yeah Sam Dong is ADORABLE!
      But I kinda feel bad for all the actors. You can see their breath in practically every scene! Even in the school scenes! I hope they aren’t freezing.

  12. 12 peanut butter

    While not studying, thinking about how Dream High and My Princess are probably the surprise dramas of the year. Who knew these dramas would be so awesome? And both had underwear moments, woo woo! Pure awesomeness. Period.

    • 12.1 Viola

      hear hear! First Joo Won’s sparkly undies from Secret Garden, then The Speedo from My Princess! :P lol.

      • 12.1.1 Yun Jin

        Sam Dong had an underwear moment this week… it was a funny scene. My guy is Song Seung Heon… the rest of these kids are adorable but this halmoni needs an older man and SSH is HOT.

  13. 13 Natalie

    Loving Dream High—- was extremely skeptical with the writing and acting at first, and everytime I say out loud the initial synopsis it sounds cheesy as hell but the drama is exceeding all my expectations and more.

    Suzy has really impressed me in recent weeks, Kim Soo Hyun is a complete natural (i hope he recovers soon from his stint in the ER) and everyone else is adorable—- Taecyeon’s uneven acting can be forgiven due to the fact that his character is completely fantastic and adorable. Honestly I have NO idea who to root for. A lot of my friends LOVE Sam Dong but are rooting for Hye Mi/Jin Gook.

    I DON’T WANT ANY HEARTS BROKEN. MY OTP IS OT4 BETWEEN THE MISFIT MAFIA: Pil Sook/Hye Mi/Jin Gook/Sam Dong.

    Tbh I’m not sure I really totally like Pil Sook/Jason. It reminds me of Playful Kiss/It Started with a Kiss where the girl basically based all her decisions around a guy. That just irritates me. They are cute though.

    I love Eunjung but omg I am so annoyed that Baek-Hee has chemistry with Jin Gook. I want him to only have eyes for Hye Mi, sorry! I know everyone hates her character— i don’t claim to really like her but I find her interesting since she seems so love/attention-deprived from everyone down to her mother. Very tragic.

    ALSO WHAT IS UP WITH ALL THE ICY BREATHS. I am worrying constantly about the poor actors because they seem to be freezing indoors! I heard they don’t turn up the heaters during filming because of the noise it makes or something. No wonder Kim Soo Hyun is falling sick.

    • 13.1 Justine

      Omg stop reading my mind. I agree with everything you said. I wasn’t expecting Dream High to be this good. And I can’t explain why, but LOVE Hye-mi.

      And I was so annoyed that Baek-Hee has chemistry with Jin-gook, even though Sam Dong/Hye-mi is my OTP. I don’t care. I want all the boys to fall in love with Hye-mi. Well, except Jason.

    • 13.2 sophie

      The couple I’m rooting for sure is Jason and Pil-sook.

      And I don’t know why, but Jason kept reminding me (only at the beginning) of Vanness.

    • 13.3 Okie Dokie

      About the icy breaths, I remember in a BOF special, they were saying that they had to suck on ice before their lines in order to prevent the icy breaths. How sad. Hopefully, they will keep warm and stay healthy!!!

      • 13.3.1 lessaofpern

        What you have to do for art!!!

  14. 14 rose

    oh well i was hook with k drama way before they become korea’s number one export ( my opinion) … and my addiction is still not cure …. hmmm i dont remeber my first kdrama but i remember watching it in arirang tv before and new couple with same tshirt hahaha that the first i remember about it and fast flow of the drama …. and not to mention good looking actors …… my first ever crush k actor choi in pyo……

  15. 15 yuvee

    I’m counting down the minutes till I get to escape from the office, get a manicure then go home and watch My Princess and catch up on Queen of Reversals. Oh, and I’ll be playing that clip of Genie performance from Dream High continuously the whole time.

  16. 16 e

    did your hear about kim soo hyun being sick?? awww poor sam dong T_T
    http://www.allkpop.com/2011/01/kim-soo-hyun-admitted-to-the-er-due-to-fatigue

    • 16.1 brookeeve

      Something must be going around, ’cause G-Dragon is really sick, too! We gotta tell these guys to stop sharing their cooties, or at least to film it when they do and put it on YouTube so we can appreciate it.

      • 16.1.1 Viola

        Omo! You did not just make the elementary school phrase “sharing cooties” one of the sexiest phrase in the English language. Unnie, you genius you! I wonder what innuendos Jomo and Izzie can come up with this new catch phrase! :P

        • 16.1.1.1 Jomo

          Not my best, but here it is:

          I give out free advice to my younger folk,
          when they tell me they like to “share cooties.”
          If later on you don’t want to share other things,
          I caution: Make sure you “wear booties.”

        • 16.1.1.2 izzie

          haha! LOL! Jomo can have this one. :D (see how she came up with a poem right away? oh the talent.)

          I think I caught a cootie. :( I’m already short-circuiting from Jomo’s double entendres, just when I’ve ran out of sanity pills. Someday I’ll figure out how to survive her misquoting my words. :D

          We gotta tell these guys to stop sharing their cooties
          yeah. they should stick to sharing cutesy undies instead. that i’d approve of. ;)

  17. 17 william william william!

    finished watching giant
    what a ride that was
    the love, the tragedy, the villian and heroes all bound into one
    it was well worth the ride

    but one thing im wasn’t sure about was in the finale, who was that person knocking on kim kang mo’s house in the end, he was holding a piece of paper that looks like a korean birth certificate, is he suppose to be the 4th member of his family that they never found, i watched the subbed videos and it didn’t indicate what that piece of paper was

    i hope all you giant fans who read this blog might help me understand that ending

    thanks

    oh dream high rocked

    ep 5 with the bunch of misfits doing the snsd tell me your wish dance was great and hilarious

    kim soo hyun is doing well, taec yeon he is okay but full of himself (personally dont like him after the whole jay park leaving 2pm debacle), suzy is great but we all like to see her smile once in a while, iu is doing alrite due to the amount she has been given, eun jung looks hot and we now know she’s the meanie, woo young, i wish he would stop acting like a douche with his crap english and chivarly, not every american does that, opening doors and being nice to everyone, but he is definately giving some bad vibes to all the women in the show. oh one final thing, jyp rocks with his singing and mentoring

    ep 6 felt like a filler, it concluded ep 5 about the whole fake stage performance but thats all it was, was expecting some dance performance and all we got was woo young doing he dance routine in the credit

    my princess feels like goong, does anyone agree
    feels like a very similiar concept but i feel like the remaining eps are going to be to and fro with kim tae hee being queen and her indecision, hope it picks up a bit more and not drag cos ep 5 definately drag, wish they make the grandpa scenes more faster and pacier cos all their jiberish is so boring to listen to,

    kim tae rocks in this role, just watched grand prix and found that her role in that is so different to my princess, and iris.
    but her in my princess really fits her acting, its a shame that it took this long for her to do a rom com

    and does anyone feel like athena is getting slow, with the one sided romance between the leads, even in the first ep, the guy day dreams vividly about getting it on with her but it was all part of his imagination, i really want to continue to watch it but i cant feel the chemistry with the leads and that the story is still very linear

    one final thing, high kick through the roof rocks
    its been a year since it was released and there were no eng subs, only chinese subs which i cant read, so i thank, with S2 subs for their dedication on this series and their translation

    alrite, its already saturday in australia, so have a good friday, and party on

    • 17.1 Kristal

      It was the little bro Junmo that got sent to America. Jeongyeon called Gangmo at the end and told him that Junmo had come back.

      Giant = awesome. I love that show to death.

      • 17.1.1 ockoala

        I was dying for the boy to turn around, and have it be Kim Soo Hyun, and to know that little Jun Mo was just like big brother Seung Mo. Sobs, Seung Mo-ahhh!

        • 17.1.1.1 Kristal

          I never even thought of that possibility but that would have been awesome, ockoala! Why didn’t the writers consult you?!?!

          Don’t even bring up Seung Mo!!! *grabs for tissue box but realizes there isn’t one and wipes eyes with sleeve instead*

        • 17.1.1.2 Janna

          I wanted the same thing too, like they all looked alike…like in cartoons.

          PARTYON, WILLIAMWILLIAMWILLIAM! Party Time. Excellleeennnnt.

    • 17.2 leonardswench

      ATHENA:

      I’m still hanging in there, but I have to say, it is lagging way behind Dream High and My Princess for keeping my interest, which is the exact reverse of what I thought would happen given the *cough* actual abilities and star-talent behind each production.

      • 17.2.1 chasen8888

        Its the same with me and Athena, that’s why I made the decision to just read the recaps and not watch it anymore. In a way I do not lose as there’s that option. If there appears to be an interesting episode thru recaps & soompi, I’ll decide whether to watch it or not so far its a not.

        • 17.2.1.1 Vision

          I am losing interest in Athena too. It started from the time Jung Woo stopped thinking with his brain … if you know what I mean.

      • 17.2.2 Viola

        I only watch the Siwon cuts! :P

        • 17.2.2.1 MJP

          Yeah Si Won! His character should have been the lead!

        • 17.2.2.2 Laica

          Siwon seriously needs more screen time. He has the best scenes. I agree, Athena is getting kinda sloooow.

  18. 18 DIANE

    hi everyone
    thanks for recap Javabeans. I love My Princess
    I cannot wait until ep 7 and ep 8 you are correct
    she does not want to be princess, she just wants
    clear her father name.

    have a nice weekend everyone.

  19. 19 buhdoop

    I have written my dissertation update for my committee members. Now I just need my professor to read it and okay it so I can send it to them.

    If all goes well I will apply for graduation in May!

    • 19.1 leonardswench

      HURRAY!!!!! One step closer (and it’s a BIG step!)

    • 19.2 dom

      yeay!! wishing you the best of LUCK!!!

    • 19.3 lessaofpern

      Good Luck!!!! :D

    • 19.4 buhdoop

      Thank you so much!

    • 19.5 Jomo

      Wow! You’re SMART!
      Good job so far and good luck!

  20. 20 No1_AntiElitist

    Such a good Friday! My copy of YA Entertainment’s release of the full 21-episode Tamra Island landed last night, so I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. :D

    Question: Anyone know where the extra, non-aired episodes fit in the timeline? Are they just at the very end of the series, barring the very last episode?

    • 20.1 NonVerbalJenn

      I watched YAE’s 21-episode version and read the recaps of the 16-episode version here on Dramabeans. From what I can tell, YAE’s release has more footage scattered throughout the whole drama (less cutting out), so the episodes end on different scenes.

      I preferred the 21-episode version because the extra footage helped me understand the story better. And more Park Kyu is always welcome!

  21. 21 Viola

    @ The Kidnapper

    After I watched episode 5 of My Princess, I am filled with remorse for my part in reducing Mr Hand Towel into a person who shops for their underwear in the women’s lingerie department! He was holding up tidy whities and red boxers as though they might fulfill the void the loss of The Speedo has left in his life. Kidnappers, I look at what I have done to him and I weep! Weep!

    To make up for my past transgression, I would like to hire you guys to do the opposite of what you normally do, Kidnappers. I would like you to deliver something. Specifically, this care package I made up of pretty pretty undies.

    I hope Mr. Hand Towel likes the sparkly ones! They are very very special- each sequin on them has been hand stitched by a master, Italian craftsman. I was only ble to obtain the sprakly undies because of the grace of Joo Won. He was so moved by the plight of Mr Hand Towel that he divulged the closely held secret that is the name of his tailor.

    My dear business associates, along with the care package will you also deliver this message to Mr Hand Towel?
    *dramatic declamation mode*

    “This is my pledge to you Mr Hand Towel, sworn on my honor: I will never ever plot to kidnap your Speedo of Power ever again, nor hire anyone else to do it! If I ever break this oath, I will be forever forsworn, declared an apostate and forever exiled from Dramaland!”

    :P

    • 21.1 lessaofpern

      ROTFL

    • 21.2 CapitalScandalRocks

      Wow !!!!!!!!!!!Funny!!

    • 21.3 Deeliteful

      LOL!! you should write a drama! too funny

    • 21.4 The Kidnappers

      Ms. Viola,

      We would like to inform you that on our way to handing your sparkly gifts to TMIBFKAHT (The Man in Boxers Formerly Known As Mr. Hand Towel), we were intercepted by a raging mad Siwon in ninja getup. Thanks to the boxers of power that the TMIBFKAHT had forged for us, we survived his assault. But he was able to snatch the gift from us. When TMIBFKAHT learned about it, he asked Philip Lee for help and they sent wraiths to retrieve the sparkly undies. We know how familiar you are with the wraiths’ ruthlessness. We’re telling you this as a favored client.

      The Men in Boxers

    • 21.5 diadda

      You stole that undies box from Joo-Won (Secret Garden), No wonder they are causing so much trouble. The dang things are cursed too! After they were rejected, tossed about and left for an evil mom to find? Did you think they would be ok?

      Why did you use those?

  22. 22 dom

    Happy Friday! this is my firstime posting in a open thread! so much funny stories!
    I’m now procrastinating my thesis and browsing for DH and MP. Lurve the SSH-KTH dynamic!! pure fun and fluff.. *giggle in a corner*

    • 22.1 Viola

      Yay a delurker! Hello and welcome new person!! *hugs* :P

      • 22.1.1 dom

        thank you Viola! *hugs*

    • 22.2 elle loves kdrama

      I am so glad I was not addicted to k-drama while I was working on my thesis… I am not sure when I would have finished it :)
      Good luck to you!

      • 22.2.1 dom

        please pray for me… I can’t stop giggling to a gif of SSH dancing stupidly while bullying KTH.. it is like.. epic..

        • 22.2.1.1 Viola

          I will join you in giggling. I rewatched that bit quite a few times! :P So, which drama was your gateway drug and who is your “mine/ I lub you?”

          • 22.2.1.1.1 dom

            the last drama was Sungkyunkwan Scandal.. I lub Song Joong Ki’s Gu Yung Ha! always giggle when he have a scene with Yoo Ah-In.. I care about them than the lead couple (micky-park min young)…gotta love the bromance…

        • 22.2.1.2 elle loves kdrama

          It was a VERY epic dance! I wasn’t planning watching either MP or DH. But here I am, giggling non stop at SSH. He is just too adorable. I can’t wait for them to fall in love with other already :)

      • 22.2.2 Arhazivory

        I was…it was hard to put it aside but I did it. Now I’m freeeeeee~ While I wait on the grade. Haha.

        • 22.2.2.1 dom

          I envy you!!! LoL

    • 22.3 Kristal

      *gives you a Dream High poster and autographed photo of Mr Hand Towel in a speedo as welcoming gift*

      • 22.3.1 dom

        YEAY!!! Mr. HAND TOWEL!!!!

        haven’t seen Dream High yet…I was in a sungkyunkwan scandal binge last time and haven’t recover fully yet (SJK is sooooooooooooooo addicting)..
        and now I’m addicted to MP.. one crack-drama at a time..

        • 22.3.1.1 Kristal

          I haven’t seen Dream High or MP but I figured since they were all the rage it would be a fitting gift. :)

          • 22.3.1.1.1 dom

            thank you for the kind gift! *framed the poster and Mr.Handtowel*

        • 22.3.1.2 Kristal

          I was considering throwing in some Oska socks from Secret Garden too. ;)

          • 22.3.1.2.1 dom

            I’ve been holding my self from watching SG… maybe just after I finish my draft i will consider streaming the first epi.. ;)

          • 22.3.1.2.2 Kristal

            I actually only made it through like 12 eps of SG. It started out cute and funny but lost its appeal for me and I just really have no interest in watching the rest so I read the recaps instead. *shrug*

          • 22.3.1.2.3 flowerpower

            Kristal, I would recomend for you to watch the remaining 13-20 eps of SG. Sometimes recaps just don’t do justice to dramas, and you kind of miss out important momments so is better to actually watch the episodes. Despite the WTF? end result of the whole body swap I do think the remaining episodes were pretty good.

        • 22.3.1.3 HaibaraChristie

          This is a little late, but can anyone explain why SSH is called Mr.Hand Towel?

    • 22.4 leonardswench

      Welcome, and welcome to the SSH love, if you’re new to it! :D

      • 22.4.1 dom

        thank youuu… *embrace the SSH Love*

    • 22.5 Okie Dokie

      Welcome to the family!

    • 22.6 lessaofpern

      Welcome!!!!! HUGS!!!!

    • 22.7 izzie

      oh dear, good luck to you. :) we never run out of more impt things to do than watch kdramas, right? :D even at work, it’s the same case. but we still watch kdramas.

  23. 23 lovenyc52

    Happy Friday!!

    omg it has been the LOOOONGESSSTTT work week ever.. it’s been so slow in the office, which equals time that seems to go backwards. sigh. thankfully it’s finally friday – all i can think about is going home and watching kdramas tonight in bed lol

    I’ve been faithfully following the Dream High and My Princess recaps (aweesssoooome!!) and though i honestly had very minimal interest in either one when i first heard about them, now I can’t wait to start watching. :D thanks JB/GF for turning me onto yet another 2 dramas that i will undoubtedly stalk. sigh.

    • 23.1 izzie

      just my thoughts while I was working on the monthly operational report a couple of hours ago.

      and my officemates… they ask me for downloads of kdramas every now and then like I’m a dealer or something. I have to bring my HDD everyday. :P I’m just glad there’s no work policy against spreading kdrama addiction in the office. ;)

  24. 24 guitar hero

    Hanging out in Kdrama land is fun fun fun :)
    Just finished reading SG and im so loving hyun bin and han ji won! chemistry is so fantatstic <3
    happy weekend kdrama addicts!;)

  25. 25 Kristal

    I can tell the rest of my work day is going to consist of reloading this page a bazillion times in between checking my email and facebook.

    This day needs to end like now so I can go home and finish Fashion 70s. The show is actually super blah and the two leads have little to no chemistry but the sooner I finish it the sooner I can start something new!

    • 25.1 leonardswench

      So glad that I’m not the only one who does the whole “get this over with so I can watch something new with a clean slate.” :)

      • 25.1.1 Kristal

        I’m so anal it takes a lot for me to just give up on a show without feeling uneasy later wondering what happened, but this one is just not going anywhere! I know once the big secret gets revealed it will probably FINALLY get interesting but right now I’m so ready for it to be done and to move on with my life! It’s 28 episodes and I’m only on 17 too!

        Of course, what the hell do I watch next is another thing I have to decide on.

        • 25.1.1.1 Laica

          Sometimes if I lose interest but there are a lot of episodes left, I just watch the last 2 or so to find out what happened. They usually rehash enough (especially in the longer dramas) that you get the gist of what you missed without having to sit through it.

          • 25.1.1.1.1 elle loves kdrama

            I do the same thing! Especially for the longer dramas… Although every once in a while after watching the ending, I find myself starting over because the last episode was so good (happened with “Family Honor” and “Smile, you”)

  26. 26 Mayounaise

    TGIF all!
    So glad it’s weekend already, I can finally catch up on my old k-dramas…
    Btw, did anyone know about Yoo Ah In topping the most decent guy list in Korea. My friend watched it the other day on Arirang TV which was aired here in Indonesia. But since she hasn’t watched SKKS, she only referred to him as the dude with the long hair who acted in SKKS (she noticed the mane-of-glory after all! :D ). She also said that Song Joong Ki also came third in the list and So Ji Sub was fifth. I’m even more in love with YAI now! *hide from other MINE-chanting-fangirls*

    • 26.1 dom

      most decent? i thought YAI will be the most bad-ass actor… well, a bad ass with a soft heart… *sorry.. still recovering ssks bromance withdrawl*

      oh yeah.. you can have YAI.. but SJK is MINE!!! *insert evil laugh*

  27. 27 Kristal

    Most decent guy? That’s a strange title.
    Yay for SJS though! Now if only he could pick a decent drama to go along with title of ‘decent guy’…

    • 27.1 Kristal

      Shoot, I meant that one as a response to #26!

  28. 28 Cece

    New 5 minute preview of Paradise Ranch posted on sment’s youtube channel. Enjoy!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLAOcKWnD-Y

    • 28.1 Kristal

      CeCe, you don’t work for production company of Paradise Ranch do you? Because I noticed you posted this clip a few times, lol. Trying to get the word out there, huh? Seems like no one has really mentioned this show even though the lead is apparently a big idol star.

      Anyways, if you do know anybody involved with Paradise Ranch, I need a Joo Sang Wook autographed photo asap! ;)

      • 28.1.1 Cece

        LOL. No I don’t work for a production company. :) I just posted the link to the two people who mentioned it in case they don’t see my original post and only check the comment they posted. But, I am super excited for this drama!!

        • 28.1.1.1 Kristal

          Darn! I wanted that JSW autograph.

          • 28.1.1.1.1 Katey B

            LOL.

        • 28.1.1.2 Kristal

          I watched like 1 min of the trailer. Just long enough to see JSW ride a mechanical bull and wear a cowboy hat (nice!). But not even that makes me want to watch this one…maybe if I were a fan of the leads…

          Oh and the girl apparently was really excited about her landing face down in poop. Not sure what was up with that!

    • 28.2 Janna

      Take a shot every time you see an ascot. YOU’RE NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO DRIVE AFTER THIS PREVIEW

  29. 29 clichique

    So… it’s blizzarding outside. Me and my friends were gonna go out to eat but because we are poor college students and don’t have a car, this means, no, I am not walking outside when there are like 5 inches of snow on the ground.

    I am… addicted to My Princess. It’s sort of ridiculous. It’s been a while since I’ve been so obsessed with a Korean drama, but I guess most of this can be attributed to the fact that I haven’t found a drama where I can fully get behind both the female and the male leads. They are both so friggin adorable I want to put the couple in my pocket and carry them around… yeah, that sounded weird. Anyway.

    I hear a lot of people were complaining how episodes 5 & 6 were draggy, but.. I don’t know, I thought they were perfect. In fact, I was enjoying the entire hour or so that I was dreading for the episode to end. Okay, yes, perhaps the storyline was not progressing very quickly, but I think the execution right now is just right – I am definitely not bored and I think that’s good enough. I’d rather an overall slower pace (than speedy speedy speedy, obviously I’m not wishing for a slow pace drama, but something more normal-paced and not total FF-button-junky feel) than a drama which starts off SUPER FAST and then totally hits the slow button. I like my dramas to have an even pace.

    Besides, I feel like 5 & 6 were necessary episodes to contribute to the plot moving forward, like transition episodes. And it was entertaining (so why complain).

    Again, I think people’s tastes differ. Some people focus exclusively on the plot…. but for me, I’ve moved onto the characters. The characters make the drama for me. I know My Princess has got all the makings of a cliche Kdrama, but, honestly, there’s only so much creativity to go around. And sooner or later we’ll run out of fresh ideas (it’s only a matter of time). Like I said earlier, characters are what drive, I think, American TV shows, too. Just look at how many shows are of the same genre.

    I think someone said that My Princess reminded them of Goong? I think the overall Korean royalty is pretty much all the similarity there is. Goong is not going to end up being a battle between frenemies that I know (pretty sure) My Princess will end up being. Speaking of the main conflict between the leads in My Princess, I do hope the big conflict is between the leads and not so much something superficially created by Yoonjoo or Dan or other bitchy manipulators. The angst could potentially have LOTS of meat and could be something more than just misunderstandings, bla bla bla, families opposing, bla bla bla, but something more fundamental, like the role of trust, their awkward alliance/friendship, the fundamental disagreement they have against each other’s “being”, i.e. her being a princess or him being a chaebol, one cannot live while the other survives (hahaha, sounds like Harry Potter!)…

    Okay this was a really long comment. I’m gonna stop now. LOL. I have high hopes for you, My Princess… don’t turn out to be a flop! (COUGH COUGH)

    • 29.1 Kristal

      Well its got good ratings and a big fanbase so at least commercially it looks like a success!

    • 29.2 leonardswench

      (COUGH COUGH) I totally agree … hooked and I really don’t want it to start flopping ….. <3

    • 29.3 Laica

      I have high hopes for my princess too. Seul and Hae-young are my favourite couple of 2011 (okay, so it hasn’t even been a month, but you know what I mean). Totally ADORABLE. And their couple has balance, unlike a lot of unbalanced pairs where one lead – usually the man – is given way better development, backstory, and dialogue than the other.

      I agree with you about characters making the drama. Even though plot is important, for me if I love the characters, and they are well developed and really come alive for me, I can forgive a lot when it comes to plot. With Secret Garden for example, I totally see the people’s issues with the plot inconsistencies, and the lack of proper resolution for some things, the strange twists, etc. But I loved the characters so much, especially Joo-won, Oska and Sec. Kim, that I would have been willing to watch them on my screen til the even even if the plot had gone totally WTF.

      And on the other side of this, no matter how well-plotted, well-written and well-shot a drama is, if I don’t like the main characters, I can’t sit through it.

  30. 30 sophie

    Happy Friday, everyone!

    Sorry, this is not Kdrama related, but is anyone around or know the San Francisco bay area?

    If so, is there a good Korean restaurant you would recommend? It doesn’t necessarily need to be a BBQ place only. Is there a place for good blood sausage soup (if I’m not mistaken, it’s called “sundaeguk”)? Thanks!

    • 30.1 Okie Dokie

      I’m an SFer – there’s a restaurant called Oghane, but it’s ok Oakland, it’s pretty good. Brother’s on Geary in the City is a staple, there’s a new one that’s supposed to be even better than Brothers. you can check out others on Yelp. here’s a link:
      http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=korean+restaurant&ns=1&find_loc=San+Francisco,+CA#sortby=review_count

      hope you have a great time in the Bay!

      • 30.1.1 ilovekimchee

        this is pretty random, but I just booked a ticket to visit my college roomie in Oakland in about a month. I’ll arrive late friday night and leave early monday morning, what should I check out while I’m there?

        • 30.1.1.1 sophie

          I don’t know Oakland at all, so sorry, I have no suggestion for that area. Else I’d suggest to visit San Francisco: there are tons of things to do and visit.

        • 30.1.1.2 Okie Dokie

          What do you like? There are some great breakfast/brunch places in Berkeley – which is just minutes from Oakland. Rick & Ann’s is a staple for me, or La Note.

          If you’re into Architecture, the Glass Cathedral in Oakland on the lake is nice (that’s not the real name but anyone will know what you’re talking about).

          Camino on Grand Ave is a great dinner spot (it’s not cheap though, California style food). There’s 2 great Italian places on Park Ave.

          If you like Korean Food (for meat – SamWon; for Jajamyun – Chef Yu’s; for Samgipsal, Korean Bacon – Kang Tong Teji) all 3 are on Telegraph Ave.

          Fenton’s is a must – it’s an ice creamery, the one that was featured in UP.

          I would also highly recommend Zachary’s Pizza – Chicago Style Pizza, delicious! Good luck, if you need more input, let me know.

      • 30.1.2 sophie

        Thanks for the recommendations, and the link!

        • 30.1.2.1 ilovekimchee

          you guys are awesome. that is all. thanks!

    • 30.2 SAYA

      There are a lot of korean restaurants in Japan Town. I went to Seoul Garden and it was pretty good

    • 30.3 joongkijunkie&ELF

      i was born and raised for the early yrs of my short life (high schooler baby!) near SF, the brother’s restaurant is the BOMB. u prob wanna head into oakland/berkeley for more korean stuff tho

  31. 31 laila

    OMG guys, what to watch now that Secret Garden is over?!?

    • 31.1 Viola

      My Princess!! You have to! :)

    • 31.2 Kristal

      Hmm, I don’t know. Something else with Ha Ji Won like What Happened in Bali maybe? Though if you don’t like the ending don’t come back here and get me, ok!

      • 31.2.1 laila

        Ooh, I’ll check to see if that’s on dramafever.com/Hulu. I’m not sure where else to watch dramas. Thanks for the rec!

        • 31.2.1.1 Elle-Emme

          dramafever,com
          crunchyroll.com
          dramacrazy.net

      • 31.2.2 Ambie

        myasiancinema … the best!

    • 31.3 dom

      what happened in bali is worth the watch.. the ending is not conventional though… well, i thought the ending is quite suitable for such a depressing drama.

    • 31.4 Kristal

      If you haven’t seen Hyun Bin in My Name is Kim Sam Soon yet thats another one you need to watch IMMEDIATELY!

      • 31.4.1 Laica

        I second this!

        • 31.4.1.1 dom

          I third this!

      • 31.4.2 laila

        I LOVED Kim SamSoon… it was what made me start watching Kdramas again.

        • 31.4.2.1 flowerpower

          Yes!! Kim SamSoon is a must watch drama!!!!!!

  32. 32 ccricket

    I watched The Chaser on youtube. It was intense…kind of draining.

  33. 33 Dara

    JB, please update us on The CITY HUNTER, thanks!

    • 33.1 ballebabe

      No two episodes of Dream High this coming week =(

      “For next week’s Episode 8′s broadcast, it will be deferred to the following week. Thanks to 22 sane adults chasing after a ball. It’s KBS2′s turn to air the soccer match, you see.”

      • 33.1.1 ballebabe

        Sorry totally did not mean to add that as a reply >_<

        • 33.1.1.1 Justine

          NOOOOO so only 1 episode next week? Will there be a triple release the following week (please say yes)?

      • 33.1.2 clichique

        Okay I’d like to protest… I am a huge soccer fan and I love the game…… (Although, tbh, I am not a big SK Nat. Team fan because my heart is with my Spanish boys and the Die Nationalmannschaft… okay, sorry, I digress.)

        I’m thinking this is for the Asia cup? It’s pretty legit…. IDK, I am just a big futbol fanatic.

  34. 34 Jomo

    Hello All!
    We also have cold cold blizzardy stuff in my neck of the States.

    Only way to deal with this? Yes! Stay inside and watch the interwebs!

    I marathoned City Hall last week-end. Wow!
    This was one of the only ones where I did not feel a ep 17/18 dip in interest. Love love love it.
    We got to see Sec Kim in an evil evil role. He LOOKED so evil.

    Started and am hooked on Full House.
    I don’t want this one to end ever. I enjoy the OTP interaction and chemistry.
    Oh! My biggest LOL moment was when she was carrying and dropping the grandmother! I would love to see outtakes of that scene. The grandma was hilarious!

    Rain is just so massive, but with a baby baby face. I would love to find myself in his arms…

    • 34.1 leonardswench

      Excellent watches for blizzardy stuff outside … plenty to warm you up in City Hall (Cha Seung Won in suits? ovary melt!) and Rain … well, every day should be a Rain-y day!

    • 34.2 izzie

      is this the workings of the psychic pigeons? I’m also having a Rain moment today. Just saw Ninja Assassin on cable, and I was magnetized. Who cares about the plot? all I saw was Rain dancing the fight sequences like awesome! And the abs… the abs! kim soo han moo keobugiwa durumi samcheongabja dong bang sak chichigapo sarisarisaenta woriwori saepeurika moodoosella gureumi heorikaein dambyeorak seosaengwonae goyangyi badookineun doldori…

      • 34.2.1 dom

        hmmm… abs….. *wipe drool*

        • 34.2.1.1 Jomo

          Oh yes! I just watched it, too.
          When counting muscles on Rain, 90 minutes flies by, doesn’t it?

          Did anyone notice that the Laundromat owner was watching Damo on his TV?

          • 34.2.1.1.1 izzie

            haha! saw that too! :)

            spotted: a k-drama addict in Ninja Assassin!

      • 34.2.2 Viola

        Izzy! You are my hero. I have been trying to get the whole chant from somewhere without much success. Now thanks to you I have it! yay!
        Jomo and Izzie the psychic pigeons are on your side. Brookeve divorced Rain a few weeks ago, so they have been trying to set Rain up with someone nice, to help him get over his heartbreak. It was truly a sad sight when Brookeve told him it was over. :( I hope you girls will take good care of him. I have a soft spot in my heart for Rain since he was my first ever K celebrity crush. :)

        • 34.2.2.1 izzie

          you’re welcome. :) glad to be of help.
          but you might want to have someone double-check it as I’m already operating on half consciousness here, with sporadic jolts of nerve impulses at the mention of Rain’s name. ;)

          • 34.2.2.1.1 Jomo

            You know, Izzie, you don’t make it easy on me with your suggestive words like:
            jolts of nerve impulses.

            I have been good this whole thread, too.

          • 34.2.2.1.2 izzie

            LOL! sowee! :D Sometimes I lose my mind-to-hand filter and just type out what comes to mind without considering the consequences. YY’s been blaming me too for what she now calls “spedicure.” Okay, I’m gonna count 1-100 before typing in my next comments. :)

        • 34.2.2.2 izzie

          I hope you girls will take good care of him.

          I can’t speak for Jomo, but I’ll do what I can. although I’m still not cured of the JaeShin virus. I just hope Rain won’t mind if I keep saying “bad habit” every now and then.

          I never had a real crush on Rain until recently. Speaking of first ever K celeb crush, I’m still not 100% over Kwon Sang Woo – and YAI looks like him when he smiles. (oh my heart! kim soo han moo…)

          • 34.2.2.2.1 MJP

            Kwon Sang Woo… Oooh, Bedroom Eyes!!!

        • 34.2.2.3 Jomo

          I am very new to Rain. (although I did mention him in my Secret Secret Haiku last week without realizing it)
          I have never really paid attention to his music or other things he did.

          But now I understand the attraction.

          He doesn’t feel like any of the other K-Men. Does that make sense? He’s not definable

          All the words in all the thesauri
          fail to describe my new-found Rain.
          He’s sweet but’s he’s large, there’s two I will try
          But he’s got some something I just can’t explain.

          • 34.2.2.3.1 izzie

            ahaha! winner! :D I’m sure Rain would love that too! ;)

            He doesn’t feel like any of the other K-Men. Does that make sense? He’s not definable

            He’s one of them pillars of k-pop. He is what the new guys want to be. Initially shunned for not having double eyelids, which is one of the measures of k-pop beauty, despite his talents. But you just can’t stop a real star from shining thru. I can go on and on about this guy… is there anything he can’t do? If not the man, I love his story. A true inspiration. ;)

        • 34.2.2.4 brookeeve

          I had to divorce him. T.O.P kept getting jealous and kissing girls all over the place.

          • 34.2.2.4.1 izzie

            brookeve, as much as I’d like to look after him, Yoo Ah In won’t allow it. When he heard of my crush on Rain, he threw a fit. It took some effort to convince him to drop the razor – he threatened to shave off his lovely locks. I had to remind him how it beautifully frames his face and that I would lose my mind if he loses his hair. :( *sigh* Only Jomo can have him now.

          • 34.2.2.4.2 brookeeve

            I understand the pain. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for our true loves, as tragic as that seems.

    • 34.3 elle loves kdrama

      LOVED, LOVED City Hall. It took me a second to recognize Sec Kim but it was awesome to see him in a different type of role. And who could forget Cha Seung Won? He is not your typical pretty boy, but there is just something about him… Ok, I need to calm down now.. haha!

      • 34.3.1 Jomo

        The lovliest scene was when they were on the steps, so she could touch his face, and tell him how beautiful he was to her.

        I wanted to be her hand, just for that moment!

        Cha Seung Won played the thoughtful reluctant lover so well. I was disappointed to see he has nothing like that going on in Athena.

        • 34.3.1.1 Laica

          I also loved the moment when she asks him why they went on a trip, and he tells her she can’t handle it. When he tells her, “Because I wanted to go on a trip with you,” and she just stares at him, and then he says, “I told you you couldn’t handle it,” tousles her hair, and walks away. And she stares after him as if he’s taking her heart with him, speechless.

          Aaaah I loved that even more than some of the more romantic moments.

          • 34.3.1.1.1 Jomo

            Every scene was memorable.

            All they had to do was get within 10 feet of each other and my whole body was on alert.

            When he put that coat around her ripped dress -omo! I almost died of, as Izzie puts it, jolts of nerve impulses.

          • 34.3.1.1.2 Laica

            That’s true, impossible to pick a favourite scene – there are so many!

    • 34.4 Laica

      City Hall… what a drama. It’s my favourite of all time. And I agree, it just keeps getting better with every episode, and it has such a great ending! I marathoned it too. I don’t think my heart would have been able to take watching it as it aired.

      Cha Seung-won is unbelievably charismatic and meltingly hot as Jo Gook. Perfect for a winter day :)

      • 34.4.1 elle loves kdrama

        So many favorite scenes, indeed. I loved it when Cha Seung-won was standing in front of the car to make sure that the sun would not bother her while she was sleeping. Or his fits of jealousy when she was talking to a guy for more than 5 seconds :)

        Ok, that’s it, I have to do another marathon when I get back from my vacation!

        Sadly, his talent is almost wasted in ATHENA. Makes me kinda sad.

        • 34.4.1.1 Jomo

          Would you recommend anything else he was in?

  35. 35 ...

    Happy Friday. Anybody here watching American Idol? :)

    I wonder what show I should watch after SG. Dream High? Athena? Or maybe continue on my Park Shin Hye old drama watching spree?

    • 35.1 Justine

      I might be biased, but DREAM HIGH ALL THE WAY. My current crack, that show. Hope it’ll be the same for you too.

    • 35.2 clichique

      I AM biased. Go watch My Princess. LOL. It is the most adorable thing ever. EVAH.

    • 35.3 girlatsea

      Just do BOTH Dream High and My Princess. You won’t regret it.

    • 35.4 izzie

      why choose? watch ‘em all! ;)

    • 35.5 leonardswench

      What’s American Idol??

      • 35.5.1 izzie

        American version of Dream High ;)

        • 35.5.1.1 leonardswench

          HA HA HA I was being sarcastic …. thanks, luv! That gave me a good laugh!

  36. 36 Katey B

    Hi there.

    Anyone know title/singer of the song ‘Shiki’ song in ‘My name is Kim Sam Soon’?

    KTB

    • 36.1 NonVerbalJenn

      I’d love to help – I’m actually staring at the list of songs on the OST album right now – but I’m gonna need more info. : )

      Do you remember what scene this song was played in? Or could you catch any of the lyrics? (I’m assuming the song had lyrics cuz you asked for the singer.)

    • 36.2 momosan

      I’m guessing you mean the track “A Love I can’t let go” –
      (보낼 수 없는 사랑) which is sung by Just (저스트) who has a lovely voice.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoRTLqpgEKI

      Although I suppose we could just list the whole soundtrack and see if we could find links!

    • 36.3 Katey B

      Thanks guys!

      it’s an old song. I don’t think it’s on the OST.

      In the drama it’s played frequently.

      Sam Soon calls Hyun Bin’s character ‘Sam Shiki’ because of he reminds her if it (I think).

      In one scene it’s playing from the radio at a street stall and Sam Shik turns off the machine to stop it playing-just after he tried to get rid of the pig/rabbit soft toy by giving it to a little girl.

      Pretty random I know but if you know it you’ll know it.

      • 36.3.1 Katey B

        OK. I’ve found a part in the drama where the song I want to know the title/singer of is played. It’s at 2:50 at the link below:

        http://www.dramacrazy.net/korean-drama/my-lovely-kim-sam-soon-episode-6/111432

        Now thinking the song may not be called Sam Shik or have anything to do with a man of the same name…

        Appreciate any help.

        • 36.3.1.1 Katey B

          Found it here! It’s ‘Ah-reum-daeun sa-raeum’ by Suh Yoo Suk.

          http://www.mediafire.com/?nunjx4dokyc

          So happy!

        • 36.3.1.2 Katey B

          A music video of the above song with scenese from MNIKSS.

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO9P-2dD-Q8

          Double happy!

          • 36.3.1.2.1 momosan

            Oh that! It is the song she’s talking about at the piano. And then she sings it. And then there is the piano kiss. 8-) Anyway, zip over to that scene and she talks about the song, lyrics, etc….including the composer being a hardball player.

          • 36.3.1.2.2 Katey B

            That’s right Momosan. It’s how I found out the song is
            ‘Ah-reum-daeun sa-raeum’ by Suh Yoo Suk.

            Thanks for your comments.

  37. 37 pohonphee

    Happy friday!!

    Because everyone comment about how good Comrades is, I’m watching Comrades right now. I HATE war to pieces, hate every part of it, and I’m kinda little ashamed with my self cause finding my self watching & liking it (it is good, keeps me saying just one more episode, but then comes another one more :( )

    I’m excited for tomorrow night because SK will play at Asia football cup quarterfinals YAY! I hope they can go through till final and win, since my country football team couldn’t go through even from preliminary round (meh).

  38. 38 yenchan

    Hi OT friends,

    Since many of you are from CA, or have been, I was wondering if you could help me out. I’m taking my elderly parents to Los Angelas&San Francisco for the first time in late April and we’re looking for suggestions of things to do/places to visit/eat etc. Our tentative plan is to fly into Los Angelas to hang out in the Orange County/vietnamese area (i’m vietnamese) and then take our time driving up Hwy1 to San Fransico. As I’m traveling with elderly people, the places we visit would have to be car accessible and the activities family friendly. :) I’m doing my research online too, but with so much information, it’d be nice to have some suggestions from people living there or with first hand experience. Any suggestions/advice/tips would be *greatly* appreciated. :) Thanks again and happy Friday everyone!

    • 38.1 lovenyc52

      oh! if you’re going to be in OC/Vietnamese area, you have to go to Brodard Restaraunt in Garden Grove.. they have these phenomenal spring rolls. I’m not normally a big fan of the traditional spring rolls, but these are called nem nuong cuon and they have an eggroll INSIDE the spring roll along with grilled pork paste and it’s served with this indescribably delicious warm house sauce that you just want to drink like it’s soup. i’ve had a few other of their dishes and they’re pretty yummy, but i can just eat these spring rolls as a meal.

      http://www.brodard.net/overview.html

      mmm..now i’m craving it haha. be prepared for a little wait though if you go on a weekend during lunch – it’s a really popular place :)

      • 38.1.1 ockoala

        @ yenchan

        Places to visit in OC w/ elderly (i.e. plenty of resting spots and not too much walking required):

        South Coast Plaza (America’s #1 ritzy mall, if you can stil deem it a “mall”)

        Downtown Disney – of if they feel up to it, Disneyland proper.

        To eat: plenty of Vietnamese places in Garden Grove/Westminster. I love Brodard, as well but Brodard Chateau does more S. Vietnamese food.

        Heading up to LA:

        Getty Center (must see)

        LACMA or MOMA if they are into art

        The Grove + Farmer’s Market at 3rd/Fairfax

        K-town starting at the Galleria at Olympic/Wilshire

        Santa Monica – 3rd Street Promenade.

        If they want Chinese, head to Monterey Park (10 freeway exit anywhere between Atlantic-Del Mar)

        For great food places, just Yelp it – LA is such a foodie town.

        Heading up PCH-Highway 1

        Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch

        Detour to Solvang if you really want some Dutch knickknacks.

        Hit up Hearst Castle if you want to see rich people throwing money around.

        Drive through Pebble Beach – 17 Mile Drive.

        Stop at Monterey for some Cannery Row cuteness.

        Stop at Palo Alto for a stroll down University Ave.

        Head into SF, and meander your way to Pier 39, hang out at the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park/Bridge, Union Square.

        Highly recommend any joint in SF Chinatown for dimsum.

        Have a safe and fun trip. It’s lovely to know that you are taking your elderly parents on such a wonderful excursion. :-)

    • 38.2 Okie Dokie

      If you are going to visit Chinatown, I’d go to the one in Oakland rather than SF. Sure, SF is a staple to see, but it’s basically the same but Oakland Chinatown there’s a little more space to move around and less hills. If it’s your first time here – the Golden Gate Bridge, I’d take a drive on the Bay Bridge too before they get rid of it and put up the new one. There’s TONS of great restaurants in the Bay Area, tell me where you’re going to be and what you guys like to eat.

      OC – Garden Grove is a fun area for Vietnamese stuff. South Coast Plaza is now the largest Mall in the Nation so it may be fun to see but that’s only if you like shopping and stuff. Take a trip to Huntington Beach, it’s a fun little beach town – there’s a great Fish Restaurant there – I forgot the name but it’s on the main road I think in a little 2 story building with a cluster of restaurants, it’s upstairs. Great views.

      If you make your way to K-Town in LA, there is a plethora of Korean everything there. It’s kinda awesome. Let me know what you’re into and I can be more specific. I lived in both the OC and currently in the Bay.

    • 38.3 lessaofpern

      Things we did with our elderly parents : Golden Gate Bridge ( drive across, then there is a scenic view area), Lombard Drive ( a beautiful curvy road, that will be full of flowers in Spring), Ghiradelli ( park downstairs and you can get your ticket validated if you shop at any of the shops above) The Ghiradelli chocolate (they give out free samples) and their famous sundays are a must. It’s a little crowded, but worth the wait. :D Hope this helped. :D

      http://ghirardelli.com/shops/ghirardellisq.aspx
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombard_Street_(San_Francisco)

      • 38.3.1 ilovekimchee

        clearly I need to read ALL the comments before posting to make sure I’m not asking a question that’s already been asked! thanks for the suggestions all. if you can add anything for a mid thirties stuck in a twenty one year old body, that would be great :)

        • 38.3.1.1 ilovekimchee

          umm, so the SG inference was totally unintentional!21 is my real age :)

          • 38.3.1.1.1 Okie Dokie

            If you’re going to be in Oakland – Ozumo’s, Somar & Luka’s are nice bars to visit. Ozumo’s a little pricey, Luka’s has some good food (try the muscles!), Somar is just a bar. The Grand Lake Theater is great too, if you want to catch a movie in an old Opera House. Also Happy Hour at Lake Chalet is kinda nice if you get a seat on the pier. Otherwise, the food is only mediocre and overpriced. =)

  39. 39 Jomo

    Not from CA, but I have one word of advice. Be wary of traffic in Bay Area – San Fran. You could end up stuck for a couple of hours if you pick the wrong time to drive.

    • 39.1 Okie Dokie

      Just avoid 880 during rush hours and you should be fine. it’s not nearly as bad as LA traffic here. But it still can get bad.

  40. 40 Kristal

    Pretty much the best part of Secret Garden was hearing/seeing Hyun Bin do this:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDmOXfWC0mY
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6xfvJgc2iY

    • 40.1 IS THIS YOUR BEST? ARE YOU SURE?

      “Munja wa shong, munja wa shong”
      buahhahha!!!!… Oh! Joowonda how I miss you!!!!!!!

    • 40.2 dom

      I never watched SG.. but the massage tone is EPIC!! and him repeating the tone with such a baby voice…..
      ..must.resist.from.downloading.SG…

      • 40.2.1 Kristal

        No need dom since I just showed you the best clips! Mwahaha. ;)

        • 40.2.1.1 dom

          LOL!! that really lower my intention to d/l…thank you Kristal!

        • 40.2.1.2 Laica

          I really liked the part where Hyun Bin explains How to Put On a Bra too. ;)

    • 40.3 lessaofpern

      LOL I loved that part too!

  41. 41 girlatsea

    I watched episodes 5-6 of Dream High yesterday and now I’m watching episode 5 of My Princess. Ah, I am in kdrama heaven right now. So much CUTE.

    I have the day off and I’ve decided to just stay into today. I might marathon the rest of Secret Garden, I think I have about 12 episodes to catch up on. God, I’m just so excited. I hope it does snow today, just so I’m excused from going outside and socializing with people.

    I just want to thank the drama gods for making my week so much better. THANK YOU.

    • 41.1 leonardswench

      I think 2011 is becoming the YEAR OF THE K-DRAMA. I don’t want to jinx it, but we’re being inundated with the cute and some pretty fast-paced writing without significant plot holes … we won’t know how to act if this keeps up!!!

      • 41.1.1 lessaofpern

        I know I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!!!

      • 41.1.2 girlatsea

        I sure hope so! haha

  42. 42 Cheery

    I have an exam tomorrow, a History exam, nothing more depressing & boring than that >_<

  43. 43 Pat

    There are 50,000 Koreans where I live in the States and I do the Noona gawk a lot but discreetly. Haha!

    • 43.1 lessaofpern

      Me too :P

  44. 44 Thatgirl

    Has anyone seen the Pianist? I think it was a TV movie on KBS. Minho from SHINee is in it.

    What did you guys think of it? I liked it.

    • 44.1 Okie Dokie

      Is it the one with Han Ji Hye? I didn’t like it. It was kinda a bore fest for me.

      • 44.1.1 Thatgirl

        It was pretty dull. But idk, I thought there was kinda a sweet scent to it.

    • 44.2 Lisa

      I saw it because of Minho. I believe this was his acting debut. I didn’t find it boring, just OK, but if Minho is in another drama, I’ll definitely watch it.

      BTW, anyone watching Oh! My School aka 100 out of 100?

      • 44.2.1 dom

        me me me! I love Ssam D- Hongki dynamics.. and TaeSung is such a black horse.. love them!

  45. 45 Brit from Blighty

    It’s Friday night, and a week of teaching shighschool students is over :) but… I have the wicked step-mother visiting this weekend. :( so this means cleaning, cooking, scrubbing and polishing, smiling sweetly when I’m screaming inside, pacifying an offended husband and bored teenage daughters, one of which has to tidy her pigsty of a room and sleep on her sister’s floor for the visit.

    But hey! Secret Garden is DEFINITELY going to be watched tonight with A GLASS OR TWO OF WINE!

    Hwaitng!

    • 45.1 Brit from Blighty

      You may notice the spelling errors – shocking for a high school teacher – but the wine has already kicked in :) ))))

      • 45.1.1 Kristal

        I was thinking you were a sighschool teacher which would be a good nickname for it since teachers have to take a lot of crap and are underpaid thus you must SIGH a lot. :)

        • 45.1.1.1 Brit from Blighty

          too right :)

    • 45.2 izzie

      bless you. I hope you get through it just fine. :)

      enjoy Secret Garden Rewind! ;)

      • 45.2.1 Brit from Blighty

        Aww thank you. This shighschool teacher is going to kick ass this weekend! (without offending the step-mother of course). :P

  46. 46 pv

    Who’s still suffering from SECRET GARDEN withdrawal?
    I am. My weekends gonna be sad w/out HYUN BIN OPPA n HA JI WON. =(

    • 46.1 flowerpower

      I am!!!!!…. is anyone currently watching other weekend dramas? are they any good? Any suggestions would be greatly apreciated.

      • 46.1.1 Kristal

        Flames of Desire is supposed to be awesome and it is a weekend show. :)

    • 46.2 Elle-Emme

      just watch it again

      • 46.2.1 ck1Oz

        LOL.Same here.

  47. 47 asianromance

    Just got the syllabus for one of my classes this coming semester *gulp*. much more involved than I originally though. I’ve been bragging about how I am going to take it easy this semester, but then I go and take classes that will make me stressed and sleep-deprived. i must be some sort of masochist!

    I’m glad that Secret Garden is over so I can concentrate on school. My Princess and Dream High are good without the crack-factor, so I get my drama fix without the distraction of thinking about it all the time and rewatching clips.

    Watching the jdrama, Reinoryokusha Odagiri Kyoko No Uso, that someone here recommended (thanks!!). It’s pretty good so far, though I wish the show would include some investigation into her parents disappearance. Maybe that will come later?

    off to set up my new dvd player now! =D

    • 47.1 izzie

      oh my goodness. distractions abound, don’t they? ;) I wish you good luck for the coming semester.

  48. 48 lessaofpern

    The Asianstalker found this little gem. I just had to share it with all of you. These are actual clips from the dramas with the real dialogs and correct subtitles. It was so brilliantly put together!!!! Enjoy!!!! :D :D :D
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s1DnCIDG3c&feature=player_embedded

    • 48.1 flowerpower

      OMG!!! Thank you for sharing this clip, I have seen this before but it is so much better to watch it with subs and actually understand what they are saying.
      “SECRET OVER FLOWERS” buahahahhaaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • 48.2 asianromance

      awesome video!! Got me into a fit of giggles! I wonder if Hyun-bin and Lee Min-ho have seen it!

      • 48.2.1 lessaofpern

        I know! I couldn’t stop laughing the first time I saw it too. Just BRILLIANT!!!! :D

    • 48.3 Laica

      Hahahahaha! Thank you – haven’t seen that before.

    • 48.4 leonardswench

      Still hilarious!1

    • 48.5 Katey B

      That clip totally cracked me up. Thanks for the add. It’s ‘Fabulous!’

    • 48.6 steph0019

      puahahahaha this is great!!

  49. 49 @.@

    HI EVERYONE!!!!!!
    I’m sad Secret Garden is over, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was good. In all honesty, I didn’t like crybaby whiny submissive Ra Im, but Joowon, Seul, Oska, and Tae Sun were awesome to watch, and the Oska Mom VS Seul drinking showndown was funny as was the Seul vs Tae Sun “catfight”.
    As for It’s OK Daddy’s Girl, I love it!!!! My favorite drama of the year so far! I like how the characters aren’t sstupid and take forever to get over feelings of so called betrayal, and they quickly figure out who the bad guy really is. Heartwarming story, and all the idols did great, and it doesn’t hurt to have a few handsome faces to looks at!!!!
    I’ve started my Princess, and it’s awesome! The leads have great cemistry, and it looks like it’ll be a fun rom-com. The bad guys are still a bit bland, but hopefully they’ll get more spunk soon.
    as for Dream High, I wasn’t going to watch it initially, as a cast of idols I’m not even a fan of plus a high school music drama didn’t sound appealing. However, reading the recaps, I’ve decided to catch up. Oh, and Samdong looks like he might be the cure to my Moon Jae Shin heartache.

    • 49.1 Aush

      I totally love Daddy’s Girl too even though no one else seems to be behind it 100%… I wish that they had given the Hyuk Ki/Chae Ryung/maybe even Minhyuk romance line a little more instead of adding a couple of pointless side plots but I liked that the story was pretty natural despite the craziness of the plot. The characters acted and reacted normally other than Jong Seok ofc who was the psycho character, and the whole family side of the story was really sweet.

      Plus Choi Jin Hyuk is a total hottie hehe :)

  50. 50 @.@

    OK, enough drama talk: help me out please!!!!

    I applied to universities a couple of weeks ago, and so now I think I will be a ball of nerves until their letters arrive with answers!!! Any advice to deal with the stress and nervousness? :(

    • 50.1 lessaofpern

      This calls for a Drama Marathon!!!!!! Revisit an old favorite or start a new one. When I’m stressed I also like to listen to music. Put your Ipod on and go for a walk (or run if you are fitter than me :P )

      It’s in God’s hands now. He will do what is best for you, so relax and take a deep breath and let it go. :D

      Wishing you all the best. Good luck in getting into the University of you choice. “HUGS” :D

    • 50.2 dom

      ahh…. this brings memories… what can you do? just enjoy the moment of freedom… play, watch, and go on a vacation… you have done your work, you just need to wait, pray, and release the tension..

      Good Luck! :D

      • 50.2.1 @.@

        both of you, thanks so much, the support is much appreciated! :)

    • 50.3 Viola

      Hello dear! I recommend reading all the books you actually want to read. Pretty soon you won’t have time to read anything except text books. :P

      • 50.3.1 dom

        I second and third this!!
        yes… do read all the books, comics, magazines that you can grab. cause, when the semester starts, your friend is textbooks (and or) scientific journals…

        • 50.3.1.1 elle loves kdrama

          Yup, reading something you enjoy, just for fun! It took me a couple of years after I was done with my degree before I started reading for fun again!

          • 50.3.1.1.1 Mayounaise

            The feelings is mutual! I also applied to universities recently for master program in US. It is really nerve wracking waiting for their answers. Dramathon is really helpful in getting me through those really stressful times since it allows me to escape to the wonderful world of K-dramaland.
            I also pray a lot. Not so I got accepted, but for God to give me a peaceful state of mind. Am sure that whatever the result, it’s what’s best for me…
            So wish u all the best! Good luck! :)

          • 50.3.1.1.2 dom

            best of luck for you Mayounaise! :D

          • 50.3.1.1.3 lessaofpern

            Best of luck to you too!!!!! :D

          • 50.3.1.1.4 Mayounaise

            Thank you dom and lessaofpern! :)

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